TRANSPORTATION - Substitute Bus Driver, Transportation I, II

About the Role

The Bus Driver position is primarily responsible for the safety of passengers transported by the Tri-Valley Heartland Express Bus. This role involves considerable public interaction, requiring exceptional customer service skills. Duties include inspecting and maintaining bus safety and cleanliness, completing paperwork, marketing program services, answering customer questions, and collecting fares.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations

• Positively and professionally represent Tri-Valley Heartland Express and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc., showing respect to clients and the public.
• Act as a role model for peers, fostering teamwork and mutual success.
• Mentor substitute and new drivers, assisting with training and forms.
• Safely transport passengers to scheduled destinations, adhering to routes and pick-up/drop-off times.
• Operate the wheelchair lift and assist passengers with mobility devices as needed.
• Ensure all passengers are seated and using seatbelts.
• Enforce passenger policies to maintain a safe environment.
• Operate communication equipment professionally and report delays promptly.
• Complete daily and monthly records, reports, training, and attend meetings as required.

Public Relations and Marketing

• Perform public relations and marketing duties to increase ridership and public awareness.
• Deposit fare boxes weekly at designated locations.
• Sell tickets and collect fees.

Safety and Compliance

• Remain alert to driving conditions and potential hazards.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspections.
• Report vehicle problems, accidents, or incidents immediately.
• Report employee injuries and complete workers' compensation forms promptly.
• Participate in mandatory drug and alcohol training and comply with testing requirements.
• Ensure vehicle compliance with MN/DOT regulations (e.g., fire extinguisher, spill kit, first aid kit).
• Comply with traffic laws and Tri-Valley Transportation Driver Certification criteria.

Requirements

• Current Medical Examination Card (maintained thereafter).
• Minimum age of 21 if driving across state lines.
• Pass pre-employment drug screening and background check; comply with ongoing requirements.
• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) upon hire and annually thereafter.
• Minimum of three years of driving experience.
• Pass Tri-Valley Transportation Driver Certification training and observation.
• For Bus Driver I: Valid Driver’s License (maintained thereafter).
• For Bus Driver II: Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Passenger Endorsement (maintained thereafter).

Assistance for Unqualified Drivers

Tri-Valley provides support to help unqualified drivers obtain a CDL with passenger endorsement within 90 days of employment:

• Up to 10 hours of entry-level driver training and classroom instruction.
• Up to 30 hours of 1:1 driving practice with a Tri-Valley bus.
• Up to 15 hours of ride-along training to observe qualified drivers.
• Use of a Tri-Valley bus and driver for the behind-the-wheel test.

Pay

Wage for an unqualified bus driver: $21.75/hour.

Qualified drivers (Bus Driver II) wage not specified.